South African Trio Progress To Top 32

The South African trio of Reyaad Pieterse, Jonathan King and Nazan Klaasens have all been selected to progress through to the Top 32 of ‘The Chance’ final trials in London, United Kingdom. The players impressed the coaching and scouting staff on the day and will join compatriots around the world as they go in search of one of eight places that are up for grabs to join the Nike Academy on a one-year contract. Unfortunately, Khayalethu Nzimande did not do enough to progress but will be supporting his countrymen in their quest for success.

“We are very proud and excited to have 3 of our players in this top 32. It’s going to be a tough final round with the small sided games, but our players have shown the top selectors that they have what it takes,” says Seruscka Naidoo Communications Manager of Nike South Africa. “ This is a huge step for us locally – the selection criteria SA used, developing a core team of coaches, pro specialists demonstrates that we have talent in every corner of SA – it’s a matter of unearthing it, developing it… and giving our youngsters a chance.”

Former Real Madrid and Portugal midfielder Luis Figo was in attendance to offer the players words of encouragement for the players that had progressed to the Top 23.

“It is a great opportunity to achieve a professional moment, most important thing is to work hard and listen to coaches. Try each day to be better and try to improve your skills. You have to concentrate and be dedicated in every way to achieve that professional moment. I learned that at a young age and it has stayed with me always. You dream to be in the squad and each year, you just want to get better. You have to have dreams, but to make them real, you have to be awake.”

Nazan Klaasens



Reyaad Pieterse